What is Digital Arrest?

• Digital arrest is not a legal procedure. It is a cyber fraud technique used by scammers to psychologically trap victims by making them believe they have been arrested through phone or video calls.

How it works:

• Fraudsters impersonate CBI, ED, police, or court officials
• They accuse victims of serious crimes like money laundering or illegal transactions
• Victims are kept under constant video-call surveillance
• They are warned not to contact family or lawyers
• Money is extorted through fear and intimidation

Key fact:

• No government agency in India arrests or collects fines through phone or video calls.

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 – The Core Cyber Crime Law

• The IT Act, 2000 is India’s primary legislation that defines, regulates, and penalises cyber crimes while providing legal recognition to electronic records and digital transactions.

Key objectives:

• Prevent and punish cyber crimes
• Give legal validity to electronic records and digital signatures
• Protect citizens from online fraud, identity theft, and data misuse

Relevant sections for Digital Arrest fraud:

• Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources
• Section 66C – Identity theft
• Sections 43 & 66 – Unauthorised access and misuse of computer systems

Punishments:

• Heavy fines
• Imprisonment (up to 3–10 years depending on the offence)